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When most couples start planning their wedding day, they think about venues, florals, guest lists, and timelines. One of the day’s most overlooked (yet incredibly important!) parts is the space where you’ll get ready. As a Charleston wedding photographer, I can tell you firsthand: your getting ready location sets the tone for your entire wedding day, and it plays a much bigger role in your photos and overall experience than you might think.
This is where the excitement builds. It’s where you’ll laugh with your bridesmaids, exchange handwritten notes, maybe pop a bottle of champagne, and have those quiet moments before walking down the aisle. This is where the photographer captures many of your detail shots, such as your dress, shoes, rings, and flatlays, along with the natural emotional candids as you get into your gown or suit. And while it might seem like just another box to check on your to-do list, choosing the right getting-ready location can truly elevate your wedding day.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know when selecting a getting-ready space. From what to look for to my favorite types of locations around Charleston and tips to make the space photo-ready, let’s make sure the start of your wedding day is just as magical as the “I do.”
Table of Contents:
- Why Your Getting Ready Location Matters
- Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Getting Ready Location
- Types of Getting Ready Locations
- Tips for Prepping the Space for Photos
- Checklist for the Perfect Getting Ready Experience
Why Your Getting Ready Location Matters
Your getting-ready location is more than just a place to have your hair and makeup done. It’s the backdrop for the first few hours of your wedding day and the space where so many meaningful, candid moments unfold. These are the photos where you’re buttoning up your dress or straightening your tie, laughing with your best friends, hugging your parents, and taking a deep breath before walking down the aisle.
The truth is that not all getting-ready spaces are created equal. A small, cluttered hotel room with dim lighting can leave everyone feeling cramped and flustered, not exactly the calm, joyful vibe you’re probably going for. On the other hand, a spacious, well-lit room with minimal distractions allows everyone to spread out, relax, and really enjoy the moment. When people feel comfortable and unhurried, it shows in the photos.
I always recommend looking for a space with multiple rooms or areas, especially if you have a larger bridal party. It’s helpful when makeup can happen in one corner, your dress can hang beautifully in another, and your friends can relax without crowding around the same mirror. Bonus points if there’s a pretty porch, window seat, or courtyard where we can sneak outside for a few portraits.
Of course, lighting is everything. Natural light is a photographer’s best friend, and it makes a huge difference in the way your skin tone, dress details, and overall vibe look in photos. Spaces with large windows, neutral-colored walls, and minimal clutter will give you the cleanest, most beautiful images to start your gallery.
Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Getting Ready Location
Once you’ve locked in your venue and the big pieces of your wedding day, it’s time to think about where you’ll spend the first few hours getting ready.
From lighting to layout, a few behind-the-scenes details can transform your experience from “just fine” to relaxed, beautiful, and totally memorable. Here’s what I recommend looking for when choosing the perfect spot to get ready.
1. Natural Light is Everything
If there’s one thing that transforms a getting-ready space from okay to extraordinary, it’s natural light. Large windows that let in soft, even light create the most flattering, glowy images. Think dreamy skin tones, soft shadows, and that romantic feel that photographs beautifully.
That said, I can make only one window work if necessary. If you’re touring spaces or choosing a room, pick one with multiple windows and plenty of daylight. Overhead lighting and yellow-toned bulbs can create strange color casts that are tricky to edit out later, so the more natural light, the better!
2. Aesthetic & Style of the Space
Your getting-ready space sets the vibe for the start of your wedding day, and that vibe shows up in your photos. Charleston is full of beautiful boutique hotels, historic homes, and stylish Airbnbs, so you’ve got plenty of options that match your wedding style. Whether timeless, elegant, coastal, relaxed, or boho and eclectic. Try to avoid overly cluttered or dark rooms with busy wallpaper or bold colors on the walls. Remember: this space will be in many photos, especially during those emotional moments like getting into your dress or reading a letter from your partner.
3. Space & Comfort for Everyone
Take a quick headcount of how many people will get ready with you. It adds up fast between bridesmaids, family, hair and makeup artists, photographers, videographers, and maybe a planner popping in! You want a space that doesn’t feel cramped or chaotic.
Look for a room (or suite of rooms) where people can spread out, sit, and feel comfortable. Is there a designated area for hair and makeup? Extra mirrors and chairs? Outlets in convenient places? A couch or bed where people can relax? These little things make a huge difference in how relaxed everyone feels, and that laid-back energy is what makes the morning of your wedding feel joyful instead of rushed.
4. Proximity to Your Ceremony Venue
Getting ready close to your ceremony site equals less stress, plain and simple. Many venues in Charleston offer beautiful on-site bridal suites or groom’s lounges, but some charge extra for early access. If that’s the case, or if you’re getting ready off-site, try to find a location within a short drive from your ceremony.
We’ll need to factor in time for travel, potential traffic, and parking. Delays can have a ripple effect on the rest of the day’s timeline, especially if you’re doing a first look or aiming for golden-hour portraits. Keeping everything close together helps everything flow smoothly and keeps the focus where it belongs—on you, not the logistics.
5. Timeline Considerations for the Morning
Getting ready might seem like a casual part of the day, but it’s actually one of the most important timeline anchors! If you’re planning a first look, we’ll need to start earlier than if you’re seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. And here’s a pro tip: the bride should not be the last one in the hair and makeup chair. Give yourself a little buffer time after you finish to breathe, hydrate, maybe write a last-minute note, and enjoy the moment before we start portraits.
Also, keep in mind that hair and makeup usually take longer than expected, especially if multiple people are involved. Building in a bit of extra time for touch-ups or delays ensures you won’t feel rushed, and the more time we have, the more room there is for sweet, spontaneous moments to unfold.
Types of Getting Ready Locations
Now that you know what to look for in a getting-ready space, let’s discuss the different types of locations my couples often choose and the pros and cons of each one.
Hotel Suites
Getting ready in a hotel is a popular option, especially if you plan to stay there the night before and after your wedding. It’s convenient, eliminates morning travel, and often gives you access to amenities like room service and concierge support. A hotel suite can be a great backup if your venue doesn’t offer a dedicated getting-ready space. Just be mindful that some hotel rooms, especially older or boutique ones, can be tight on space, especially once hair and makeup teams arrive. If you go the hotel route, consider upgrading to a larger suite or booking an additional room nearby for extra breathing room.
Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals
This is one of my favorite options for a getting-ready location, especially here in Charleston, where the rental homes are full of charm, natural light, and beautiful details. With an Airbnb, you typically get multiple rooms, which makes it easy for your wedding party to spread out and get ready without stepping on each other’s toes. You can also designate one clean, quiet space for slipping into your dress and capturing those final “getting ready” moments. Another bonus? Many Charleston rentals have gorgeous porches, gardens, and interiors that look stunning in photos.
Getting Ready Suites at the Venue
If your venue offers a dedicated getting-ready space, it’s definitely worth considering. These suites often offer everything you need for a wedding morning, as designers typically create them with good lighting, plenty of space, and thoughtfully styled décor in mind. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about transportation or timing; everything is already happening in one place, so your day can start relaxed and stress-free. Just be sure to ask if there are any time restrictions or early access fees, as some venues may have guidelines for when you can arrive.
Tips for Prepping the Space for Photos
Once you’ve chosen your getting-ready location, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure it photographs beautifully and helps your morning run more smoothly.
Declutter the Room
This one makes a huge difference. Things can get a little chaotic as the morning unfolds and everyone starts unpacking bags, digging through makeup, and tossing extra clothes around. I always recommend picking one spot in the room, like a corner, closet, or bathroom, for everyone to stash their stuff. That way, the area where we’re doing your getting-ready photos stays clean, open, and photo-ready. It’s also super helpful if you and your crew are tidying up as you go. Then, when it’s time for those more intentional shots like slipping into your dress, putting on your shoes, and sharing a first look with your bridesmaids, we’re not scrambling to hide water bottles and bags.
Bring a Steamer & Emergency Kit
There is always a last-minute dress that needs steaming, whether the bride’s or a bridesmaid’s, so having a steamer on hand is a lifesaver. And while we hope everything goes smoothly, I’ve seen my fair share of dress hiccups: missing buttons, a stuck zipper, a ripped hem… you name it. Having a little emergency kit with things like fashion tape, a needle and thread, safety pins, blotting sheets, and even a mini sewing kit can make all the difference. Trust me, being over-prepared is always better than scrambling!
Keep Details Together (Shoes, Invites, Rings)
I’ll start by photographing your details when I arrive—things like your rings, shoes, invitation suite, jewelry, perfume, and sentimental extras. The more organized these are, the faster and more efficiently I can get started. I recommend gathering everything into a box or bag the night before. That way, I’m not having to track down your earrings in one room and your invitation in another, we can hit the ground running and keep the timeline moving right on schedule.
Checklist for the Perfect Getting Ready Experience
Whether you’re getting ready in a hotel, an Airbnb, or your venue’s bridal suite, here’s everything you’ll want to have on hand to make the morning smooth, fun, and totally photo-ready:
Essentials:
- Plenty of outlets for hot tools, chargers, etc.
- A steamer for last-minute dress touch-ups
- A wedding day emergency kit (safety pins, fashion tape, mini sewing kit, stain remover pen, Advil, etc.)
- A designated spot to keep all your details (rings, invites, jewelry, perfume, shoes) ready for photos
- A cute hanger for your dress (trust me, it’s worth it!)
- A comfortable, photogenic outfit to wear while getting ready (think robes, matching sets, or button-downs)
Just for Fun (but still important!):
- Snacks and light bites to keep everyone energized (granola bars, fruit, something savory)
- Drinks, whether it’s coffee, bubbly, or your favorite juice
- A speaker and a playlist of your favorite songs to keep the vibes fun and relaxed
- Champagne (and glasses!) if you’re planning on doing a champagne pop photo
- Tissues, you’d be surprised how many happy tears show up before the ceremony even starts
Most importantly, surround yourself with people who help you feel calm, happy, and supported. Those are the real ingredients to the best morning.
Now, you’re ready to create a getting-ready experience that’s not just photo-perfect but full of ease, laughter, and beautiful memories from the very start. If you ever want help choosing the right space or have questions while planning, I’m always here to help!